Council lifts animal export ban

Live export ban lifted - council reaction

Thanet Council said the decision to lift its temporary ban on live animal exports was partly taken because of soaring cost of legal fees.

Our position has always been to work within the legal framework to ensure the welfare of animals. The decision to impose the temporary ban at the Port was not taken lightly, following the horrific incidents in September, and we still consider this action to have been correct.

In terms of now having to lift the ban, our hand has again been forced as we are duty bound to act in accordance with the law. We have to consider our absolute obligation to protect the public purse."

– Cllr Michelle Fenner, Thanet Council

As we’ve done everything in our power to get to this point, it is disappointing, however we have worked extremely hard in recent months and will continue to push the agencies involved in whatever legal way we can to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected.“